Mangaung Metro Municipality, run by the ruling African National Congress (ANC), has blocked the party’s planned bash citing the poor state of the proposed venue. In a letter seen by Pindula News, the local government authority said there was no running water and all toilets were vandalised. Reads the letter:
To: AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS Attention: Provincial Convener Provincial Coordinator
RE: PREPAREDNESS OF DR RANTLAI MOLEMELA STADIUM TO HOST EVENTS
This report seeks to advise the event owner on the shortfalls at the Dr Rantlai Molemeta Stadium in preparation for the ANC January 8th event. The facility accommodates a total 15 500 attendees, which should include amongst other hawkers, staff etc. The accommodation figures will further be reduced when the stage is erected, as that part of the stadium will be regarded as non-usable. During the assessment or inspection, the following shortfalls were identified, which could render the stadium non—compliant.
1. The northern part of the stadium sunk after the construction. Please note that even though the correction report was submitted, it still needs to be referred to the structural engineer for a periodical assessment.
2. All toilet facilities have been vandalised, with all water taps (No running water)
3. No electrical certificate
4. No lire Safety Certificate
5. Non-operational lifts
6. Non-availability of VIP rooms (Suites) due to damages Noting all the above, and the financial position of the municipality, it will be difficult for the municipality to implement remedial action or correction within a short period of time, further this will prohibit the municipality to issue a grading certificate for the event to take place.
Taking the above into consideration, it is suggested that the Free State Rugby Stadium be looked as an alternative. Yours faithfully
T.Motlashuping Acting City Manager